AGM – Duiwenhoks Conservancy

Duiwenhoks Conservancy AGM 2026

Margaux Newdigate Uncategorized March 10, 2026March 10, 2026AGM, Conservation, Duiwenhoks, Duiwenhoks Estuary, Vermaaklikheid 0 Comment

A short note to remind you of the Duiwenhoks Conservancy Annual General Meeting. As usual, we plan to meet on Easter Saturday morning at 10 am in the Vrede Saal in Vermaaklikheid.

We really value your participation. This annual meeting is a unique opportunity to show up as a community as we share our progress in the past 12 months. There is certainly much to celebrate. It’s also an opportunity to share what you believe we need to take care of. This is your chance to give input into shaping the future actions of the Duiwenhoks Conservancy committee.

This year, Dr Lara van Niekerk, Principal Researcher at CSIR, has accepted our invitation to share her knowledge of our special river, and update us on national and global estuarine initiatives.

Lara has impeccable credentials, having led research projects on more than 30 estuaries, including the Duiwenhoks. In addition, Lara recently finalised the National Health Assessment of SAs estuaries as part of the National Biodiversity Assessment 2018. Lara has been instrumental in the development of technologies, strategic and operational policies and protocols, and legislation required for the effective management of South Africa’s estuaries.

Duiwenhoks Conservancy AGM news

Margaux Newdigate Uncategorized April 19, 2022AGM, Josie Borain, new chair, Spatial Development, spatial development framework 0 Comment

Thanks to all who attended our virtual AGM earlier this week.

Aileen Anderson, who manages the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, shared some of the lessons learnt in protecting rivers and landscapes. Bertus Hayward and Hendrik Visser of the Hessequa Municipality gave us an overview of the process of developing a development plan for Vermaaklikheid (more below).

John Thorne resigned as chair, a position he has held since 2013. Josie Borain is our new chair, with Anthony Black remaining as vice chair. Sarah Ward and Mandy Zeelie resigned, and Justin Cooke was welcomed as a new member. John, Rooken Podesta & Margaux Newdigate remain members.

Vermaaklikheid Spatial Development Framework

“An SDF indicates which type of development should be allowed in a Municipality, where it should take place, and how such development should be undertaken to ensure the best outcomes for people, natural resources, and economy.”

Bertus Hayward, Hessequa Municipality Manager: Spatial and Economic Development and Hendrik Visser, Hessequa Municipal Manager outlined the process of setting up a Spatial Development Framework. Sarah Ward initiated this process and Justin Cooke will represent the Duiwenhoks Conservancy going forward. The aim is to establish development guidelines for Vermaaklikheid.

Public participation is an important part of this process – so you’ll be hearing more on this.

Draft SMART

In addition, Hessequa has sent all interested parties a notice that they intend to consider the Draft Municipal Smart EconomicDevelopment Strategy [SMART strategy]. The draft SMART strategy presents four characteristics of local government i.e., maximising social and economic growth, integrating and coordination, democratising development and leading and learning.

The draft SMART Strategy is available on request and on the Hessequa Municipal Website and at all the Municipal Libraries’ computers. A work session is planned for 11 May 2022 at 14h00 via Teams and comments can be submitted on/before 23 May 2022. Interested parties should contact Bertus Hayward bertus@hessequa.gov.za

Finally, some rain! So here’s a lovely splash of local April colour – Brunsvigia orientalis.

Save the date: Duiwenhoks AGM Tuesday, April 12 at 4:00 pm

Margaux Newdigate Uncategorized March 15, 2022March 15, 2022AGM, Duiwenhoks Conservancy Annual General Meeting, Erica mammosa 0 Comment

It’s time for our annual general meeting. We will be meeting via Google Meet on Tuesday, April 12 at 4:00 pm.

Aileen Anderson, who manages the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, will talk about her success in protecting rivers and landscapes in the current economic climate.

We also need to appoint a new chair as John Thorne is stepping down after nine years of service to this community. Thanks, John, for all the energy you’ve put in over the years.

Send Duiwenhoksconservancy@gmail.com a mail if you wish to be included in the meeting.